semi-permanent hair colour

[moo]

i have quite long dark brown hair (almost black) but i feel like a change for a bit. I'm looking for a semi-permanent hair colour in a vibrant red colour that DEFINITELY washes out after a while. Could anyone reccomment any good brands that you have used before and know not to have any nasty surprises (eg. never washing out, ruining condition of hair etc) or has anyone who used to have dark hair coloured it red only to find it didnt suit them at all? any advice, tips etc will be greatly appreciated as i dont really know how to start on this .... thanks in advance everyone!!

[Morrisonker]

you won't get a vibrant red (like a scarlet) that will show on your hair without lightening it a few shades first.  I have dark brown hair which I got lightened about 10 days ago at the hairdressers and got a semi permanent raspberry pink colour put in, but it's already faded and washed out.  I'm left with an almost auburn red colour.  Doesn't look too bad, but of course underneath the hair has still been bleached which will have to grown out. 

If you're looking for a more subtle tint, the L'orel Pulse (metallic orange packet, quite a new line) hair stuff in Red Pulse is really gorgeous.  It's supposed to last up to 6 washes I think, but the majority of the colour comes out after the first wash.  I've been dying my hair reddish shades for about 6 years and unless you want to go permanent you'll find that very few colours will show up on hair that's as dark as yours.  Whether it suits you is all up to your colouring, but i think red is flattering to everyone.

You could try Henna, get it from Lush or teh Body Shop. It's messy but gives your hair  great shine and colour, plus it's natural so won't wreck your hair.  It isn't permanent, but does last a long time, so probably not the best idea for you.  Good luck!

[blueeyedlass]

i also have dark brown hair and i use garnier natea in grenadine red it gives a good colour effect but not totally bright and in your face.